Circa 1990s, a nylon wading jacket by {{HOUSE OF HARDY}}.
{{HOUSE OF HARDY}} traces its origins to 1872, when founder {{William Hardy}} opened a modest gunsmith's shop in Alnwick, Northumberland, in northern England. It is a British fly-fishing brand with deep roots in the sport.
His brother {{John James}} soon joined, and the partnership expanded under the name {{Hardy Brothers}}. Over time, their passion shifted from firearms to fishing tackle, giving rise to the art of tackle-making—a fusion of English craftsmanship and engineering.
Throughout the twentieth century, the company underwent several transformations, adopting the name {{House of Hardy Ltd.}} in 1985 and {{Hardy & Greys Ltd.}} in 2004.
In the late 1980s, {{Hardy}} acquired a quilting and waxed garment factory, increasing its in-house production of apparel. The brand excelled at translating field-tested function into understated design, creating fleeces, shirts, and pragmatic outerwear.
{{Hardy}} maintains a distinguished connection to the royal family, having held numerous Royal Warrants since the twentieth century. In recent years, a new Royal Warrant from King {{Charles III}} was announced, reaffirming the brand's standing as a leading British tackle house.
A tool company making everyday wear. It is precisely this positioning that makes the pieces viable for town wear.
We present to you a signature wading jacket from {{House of Hardy}}.
A wading jacket is, by its essential nature, a functional short-length outer garment designed for fly-fishing—cast made whilst standing in moving water. The abbreviated length avoids the waterline at the waist; deep pockets facilitate quick access to necessary gear; and the design prioritises weatherproofing, wind resistance, and freedom of movement.
This example remains faithful to that lineage. Raglan sleeves ensure full shoulder mobility, whilst the front closure employs a two-part system: snap-button storm flap over a dual {{YKK}} zip. By opening only the lower zip, one can create ventilation and adjust mobility with precision according to conditions.
Large flapped pockets sit at the lower front, left and right, with ample capacity for fly boxes and gloves. The left pocket bears a woven label reading "{{House of Hardy country wear}}."
The cuffs are engineered with a two-stage system: internal snap tabs and stretching gauntlets that ward off water and wind whilst allowing two-position adjustment. An internal drawcord running along the hem maintains warmth even in strong wind.
A substantial D-ring sits at the back neckline—a fishing-house detail allowing one to suspend a landing net or other gear.
Inside the collar, a {{HOUSE OF HARDY}} brand label. The tag reads "MADE IN ENGLAND," confirming this piece was produced in Britain. The Royal Warrant notation—"BY APPOINTMENT TO H.R.H. THE PRINCE OF WALES"—speaks to the robust construction of its era.
Wear it with a shirt, slacks, and leather shoes, collar raised, lower zip half-open. There is something deeply appealing about approaching the outdoors through the grammar of tailoring.
We invite you to discover your own equilibrium between the outdoor and the formal.
This piece is constructed entirely of nylon.
Lightweight and quick-drying, it offers a crisp, dry hand against the skin, whilst its tightly woven composition gives the silhouette structural integrity. True to its waterside heritage, it sheds spray and light rain, dries rapidly, and keeps pace with whatever comes next.
The checked lining inside enhances skin comfort and creates an air layer for lasting ease.
The material choices, grounded in function, create a piece equally reliable in the city or outdoors.
The colour is a deep teal green—not often encountered. It carries a trace of blue in what is fundamentally a forest green, appearing fresh in natural light and settling into a composed dark tone indoors. The subtle sheen of the nylon creates an effect reminiscent of water's shimmer, with gradations of tone delicately following seams and fold lines.
A charcoal-brown collar provides a warm contrast, whilst the muted lustre of metal hardware deepens the overall tone. The teal, infused with the air of open water, imparts refinement to the utilitarian spirit of workwear and outdoor function, commanding a assured presence even in urban setting. It is a colour of rare restraint and balance.
Marked size M, roughly equivalent to M to L in Japanese sizing.
The actual measurements align well with Japanese proportions, offering a versatile fit for a range of builds.
There is visible wear consistent with use, though no damage that would impair wearing. The piece remains entirely serviceable.
{{HOUSE OF HARDY}}—a British fly-fishing heritage. Details refined through actual fishing remain entirely relevant on the street. It is a considered piece, increasingly difficult to locate, and with its short length and dual-zip practicality, it becomes a reliable presence in one's wardrobe.
From the field, straight to the street. Please experience the moment when function becomes beauty.
